What the Expert Says:

Trying to resume the positive educational experience for your daughter will be difficult. Many parents share in your frustration. There are many factors to consider concerning your situation. Ask yourself these questions: Have there been any recent changes to her environment at school for your daughter? Are there clear expectations for her behavior? Have there been any negative consequences as a result of correcting her undesirable behavior? Can your daughter earn any positive consequences for her desirable behavior? Have you talked with her and try to understand what has changed for her or why she continues this behavior? Is she having peer relationship problems? Is she being bullied? Are you able to go and observe her in the classroom? Have you thought about talking with the school counselor or teacher about some strategies to help your daughter? Is she tired, hungry, thirsty, or not feeling well? Has her home environment changed? These are just a few questions, I encourage you to consider. If you or your daughter needs to talk to someone, you can call the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000, we have counselors available 24/7. We can also look up some local resources for further assistance, or it may help to talk. You may also want to talk with her pediatrician for some assistance.

Remember that with time and consistency, she can change her behaviors and make better choices. Really praise her for making good choices as she needs to feel like she does make good choices right now. Take care and good luck--do let us know if we can be of any further assistance.